DUI & Ciminal Defense Lawyers in Florida

Impact of a Violent Crime Conviction In Florida

Florida has experienced a 40 percent reduction in violent crimes in the
past few decades. In 1996, there were 147,425 violent crimes. In 2016,
the number dropped dramatically to just above 88,000. While this is good
news, the number can be much lower, and the impact of a violent crime
conviction is severe and affects you for the rest of your life.

What is a Violent Crime?

A violent crime is defined as an act involving the use of force on the
victim as an objective or method. It does not require a weapon. The Florida
Department of Law Enforcement reports that murder, rape, incest, stalking,
robbery, carjacking, aggravated assault, and kidnapping are some of the
state's violent crimes. If convicted, it is a felony.

Levels of Punishment

There are five degrees of punishment for felony offenses. A felony has
a punishment that typically ranges from one year in a state prison to
death based on the severity of the crime. If found guilty, the convicted
party faces a felony that can impart the maximum penalty by law and may
require court-ordered restitution for the victim. Here are the potential
sentences.

Third degree - Punishable by up to five years of imprisonment in a state
prison with a fine of $5,000.

Second degree - Punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

First degree - Punishable by no more than 30 years and $10,000 fine.

Life's sentence - Punishable by 40 years to life with $15,000 fine.

Capital Punishment - Punishable by death or life imprisonment without parole.

Consequences of Felony Convictions

In Florida, a convicted felon can’t vote or hold public office, unless
his or her civil rights have been invoked. Felons can't possess a
firearm or serve on jury duty. Additionally, the majority of employers
-- over 85 percent -- will not hire felons. Finding housing is extremely
difficult. Landlords can reject your application if they feel your crime
might pose a risk to the safety of their residents.

Banks and credit institutions may not give loans to persons who have demonstrated
a crime of moral turpitude, e.g. embezzlement, robbery, child molestation,
etc. So how do you lessen the consequences of a violent crime conviction?
Hire a criminal defense lawyer.

At Musca Law Firm, our team consists of experienced
criminal defense attorneys in Florida. We are members of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers and
have an ability to help individuals facing serious charges.

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The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.

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